The 3.8 kilometer well maintained trail to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) offers one of the most popular hikes in Norway. It's two hours each way (90 minutes for experienced hikers). The view from the rock on the Lysefjord below makes the trip very rewarding. But if you have fear of heights, this may not be for you. There are no safety rails on the Preikestolen.
The scenic trail starts at a parking lot and bus stop (at alt. 270 meters) and climbs to 604 meters. There are a few steep sections with large boulders but most of the trail is a rather easy climb. You can't go wrong, red T's show you the way. On sunny Summer days the 25 meter squared plateau of the rock gets rather crowded so it may be a good idea to make an early start.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, although small and heavy dogs may have a problem climbing the rocky sections. Healthy active dogs in good physical shape will have no problem reaching the rock. It was our dog Joop's first mountain hike, on his first foreign vacation. He loved it, just like his humans Tity and Henk.
Preikestolen can be reached from Stavanger by ferry (to Tau) and bus (to the trailhead). The parking lot (not free) has spaces for cars, campers and large RV's. There's a campground (Preikestolen Camping) about 5 kilometers from the parking lot.
July 8, 2004
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